Ludo's regular vet returned from holiday today so I took him in for him to see him. He was much more optimistic, which made me hopeful. I told him that Ludo had picked up a bit and was showing signs of improvement - still keen to eat, walk, sniff, tail wagging etc . His vet advised against surgery as an option and suggested we go down the route of treating it with more antibiotics. I know that our options are limited due to his other underlying health issues(anemia) and his age but I'm relieved that we have this small glimmer of hope. He was sleeping out in the garden today while the sun was shining and I just felt there and then that the time wasn't right for him to go. I hope that doesn't make me selfish but he does not look like he is in obvious pain - no whimpering or signs of distress. I have Meloxidyl to help him with the pain and Norval tablets for the infection. I'm hoping and praying that they reduce the infection and help with the abscess .